The Gathering is a United Methodist Church and that matters. We are part of a global network of churches doing meaningful work around the world. Part of that connection means that The Gathering gets to send out pastors that have been shaped here to serve in other places. Rev. Adam Baker and Rev. Ryan Hebel are being sent out to serve as lead pastors in other churches this June. And grieving the lo...  Read More

When we started The Gathering 20 years ago, I knew that I wanted to be part of a community that not only helped me to grow spiritually, but that also shaped faith in new generations of people. Any of us that are parents know that it is hard raising kids and guiding them towards a meaningful and healthy relationship with God. Weekly, parents of young or adult children alike come to me seeking wisdo...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | The Christian Parent’s Field Guide - Part 1Written by Melissa Ross and Denee BowersFrom Pastor CharityThis week we begin a new sermon series, The Christian Parent’s Field Guide. Our shared practice for this series is Grow in Groups. Take a minute to look at the Start / Grow / Stretch on the Shared Practices page. Reflect on where you are now and where you hope to go during this s...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Christian In Name Only - Part 4Written by Jenny Huffman and Christopher BurfordWelcomeWelcome to the fourth and final week of our series “Christian in Name Only.” For the last few weeks we have wrestled with the reality that people in positions of power are increasingly using the Christian faith to justify behavior that is contrary to the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. We...  Read More

Spring is a season of transitions. Personally, our calendar is full of events this May as my youngest son George prepares to graduate high school. Of course, he is in a season of change as he says goodbye to one chapter and prepares for college in just a few months. But, Jess and I are also preparing for a new season. For the first time in 25 years, we will not have a kid living in our house! In o...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Christian In Name Only - Part 3Written by Christopher Burford and Jenny HuffmanWelcomeHello friends and welcome to week 3 of “Christian in Name Only.” Over the last few weeks, we have discussed distortions in faith that have led some to wrongly justify positions of power and commit acts of violence based on faulty interpretations of the Bible. This week might be even more challen...  Read More